Telephone fraudsters force elderly people to sell property and hand over money
Since the beginning of 2025, 17 pre-trial investigations have been launched in Lithuania into property obtained through fraud. Fraudsters tell victims that their assets are being sold on the "black market".
Fraudsters target real estate: 17 pre-trial investigations since the start of the year
Google News LT — Crime (lt) reports that Vilnius District Police confirmed on Thursday a new telephone fraud scheme: residents are deceived into quickly selling real estate, with the proceeds later being extracted.
Since the beginning of 2025, 17 pre-trial investigations have been launched in Lithuania into stolen property of very high value obtained through fraud. Most investigations — 10 — are being conducted in the territory of Kaunas Regional Prosecutor's Office, 6 in Vilnius, and 1 in Panevėžys.
Fraudsters present themselves over the phone as representatives of various institutions or organisations. They tell a fabricated story, claiming that the victim's property is already being sold on the "black market", so the only way to save it is for the owner themselves to sell it as quickly as possible. Believing this false information, people sell real estate hastily and for considerably less than market value.
During the pre-trial investigations, it was established that fraudsters use false information and psychological pressure. Most often, their victims are elderly people who, fearing the loss of their property, make hasty decisions. Some of the victims are Russian-speaking persons.
After the sale of the real estate, fraudsters convince the victims to withdraw the money they have received in cash or use it to purchase gold bars. The cash or gold bars are then handed over to persons designated by the fraudsters.
During the investigation, it is being assessed whether in certain cases real estate brokers, notaries or property buyers may have been involved in the scheme.
The Prosecutor's Office and Police urge real estate specialists and notaries to pay special attention to potential risks. Caution should be exercised if an elderly client is in a hurry to sell their only property, agrees to sell it for a price clearly below market value, cannot clearly explain the reasons for such a decision, appears confused, or is constantly communicating by phone with unknown persons.
Officials remind the public that no state institution will demand over the phone that property be sold quickly or that money, gold or other valuables be handed over. Members of the public are asked to remain vigilant and to critically assess any calls in which they are required to make immediate decisions regarding property or financial transactions.
Source: Google News LT — Crime (lt)